Stacie from St. Louis

I can't make it this month.

I'm hoping to attend but have to admit I'm nervous.

What fun! Love these pics!

Thank you for this post - it captures exactly what so many of us have felt and are continuing to struggle with. I only get weighed at my nurse practitioner appointments (monthly) and the last time I had gained a pound. I was devastated and actually cried in her office! All I could think was just what you said...all that money, all the pain, all the deprivation, and I'm going to fail at this, too. Then...what choice do we have? We dry the tears, get up, and simply move forward. Thanks again for your post. Stacie

For me things began to improve after 5-6 days, and from there it just got better and better. Take the pain meds, and get a lot of rest.

I was banded in October 2011 and have been worried about this as well. However, I'm going in for my third fill this week and can't wait to see how it turns out. Throughout the whole process I have continuously heard that the weight loss can be slow and we have to be PATIENT. It helps to hear it again.

I really admire you for posting this and for making the committment to start again. That is fantastic~ As for what you should eat, your surgeon (or his nurses) will probably be able to give you written instructions, but why don't you spend the next 8 days/week doing the "pre-op" liquid diet, just as you did back in '08 before your surgery? Then, when you get the adjustment, you will be ready to hit the ground running with a day or two more of liquids, then mushies, then solid food. You can do this - this website is full of supportive people willing to help. P.S. Congratulations on your son!

Hey, welcome! Where do you live in St. L? I'm in O'Fallon. As for the liquid diet - it's brutal, but you'll get through it. It might actually make getting through the holidays easier! Looking back, I can't believe I was able to do it myself. I was banded on 10/11/11 and am doing well - over 20 lbs. lost.

These stories definitely make me realize that my aggravating aches and pains due to obesity are only minor inconveniences - thank you for making me realize how lucky I am to be otherwise "healthy."

I like the "getting over food poisoning" idea.

Thank you for this link - I can tell it already that it will help me.

Okay, I'm four weeks post-op and have had my first fill. I'm down 20 pounds since the start of the pre-op liquid diet. Today is the first day I can actually eat the way you are supposed to with the band - small portions, protein-first, tiny bites, well-chewed, etc. I've been so looking forward to "getting started" and now that it's time, I'm really excited but also a little overwhelmed! I sat down to make a grocery list and just drew a blank, LOL. Anyone else feel this way at my stage?